Electric indicator



9 Sheets-Sheet 1.

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1:'. A. LANE. ELECTRIC INDIGAIOR.

No. 427,879. -lafented May 13,1890.

(NofModel.) 9 Sheets-Sheet 2.

F. A. LANE.

. ELECTRIC INDICATOR. No. 427,879. PaftentedMay 13, 1890.

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(No Model.) 9 sheets-sheet 3. P. A. LANE. ELECTRIC INDICATOR.

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Paten'ted May 13. 1890.

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(No Model.) 9 Sheets-Sheet 4.

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. ELBGTRIG INDICATOR.

.Patented May 13, 1890.

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(No Model.) 9 sheetsfsheet 5.

IF. ALANL ELECTRIC INDICATOR.

No. 427,879. Patented May 13, 1890.

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(No Model.) 9 sheetssheet 7 l F. A. LANE.

ELECTRIC INDICATOR. No. 427,879. Patented May 13, 189.0.

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F. A. LANE.

ELECTRIC INDICATOR. No. 427,879. Patented May 13. 1890'.

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ELECTRIC INDICATOR. No. 427,879. Patented May 13". 1890.

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FREDERIC A. LANE, OF NET HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO THE NEV HAVEN CLOCK COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

ELECTRIC INDiCATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 427,879, dated May 13, 1890.

Application tiled April 6, 1889. Serial No.306j106. (No model.)

To ail whom if; may concern.-

Be it known that I, FREDERIC A. LANE, residing at New Haven, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Indicators; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates toan improvement in that class of electric indicating or annunciating apparatus in which variable signaltransmitters located at sub-stations are electrically connected with a receiver located at a central station and adapted to locate the respective transmitters as they are operated and to automatically reproduce the signals to which they are set, the object of this present invention being to simplify, widen the range, and increase the general efficiency of such an apparatus.

IV ith these ends in view my invention consists in an electric indicating apparatus having certain details of construction and combinations of parts, as will be hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claims.

It may here be stated that the variable nal transmitter illust-rated and described herein is in respect of its circuit-interrupter a separate and independent invention from the receiver with which it is shown to present a complete apparatus, and is not claimed except in combination therewith.

In the accon'ipanying` drawings, Figure l is a view in front elevation of one form which a variable signal-transmitter for use with my invention may assume, the hasp, forming the circuit-interrupter of the device, being closed. Fig. 2 is a similar view of the mechanism of such transmitter, the ring, the circuit-interrupter, and the dial having been removed, except a small portion of theI ring, which is shown in section to illustrate the mode of its attachment to the back of the device. 3 is a view of the ring circuit-interrupter in section on the line a t) of Fig. l, the other parts of the device being shown in an elevation taken from the point marked c on Fig. Fig. 4L is a sectional view of the device on the line g 7L ofFig. 2. Fig. 5 is a view in front elevation of my improved receiver. FiO. 6 is a similar view thereof, drawn to a smaller scale and with its door open. Fig. 7 is a detached enlarged view in elevation of the mechanism located in the case of the receiver. Fig. 8 is a similar ViewA of the mechanism attached to the back of the door of the said case. Fig. 9 is a similar view of the independent operating mechanism with its inner plate removed to disclose the locating-train and the signaltrain. Fig. l0 is a detached reverse view of such mechanism, showing the signal-wheel and the means for restoring the signal-indi cator to its normal or Zero position. Fig. ll is a broken view, in vertical section, on the line d c of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows f on that figure, drawn to a slightly larger scale than the said gure and showing the mechanism located in the body of the case of the receiver and that attached to the door of the said case coupled for operation. Fig. l2 vis a diagram showing the several circuits of the apparatus. Fig. 13 is an enlarged detached view in elevation of the switch-cylinder Y2, the pin V2, the slotted arm X2, and the link U2. Fig. 14 is a detached perspective view of the switchcylinder Y'its slotted crank-arm X2, and the Din V2, which communicates motion to the same; and Fig. l5` is a corresponding view of the switch-cylinder A4,its slotted crank-arm Z3, and the necked end Y3 of the switch-lever U3, which communicates motion to the said crank-arm, and hence to the said cylinder.

The several signal-transmitters are alike, and a description of one will describe them all. The dialA of each of these instruments is divided into a circular series of radial compartments B, of which the 'uppermost contains a star indicating the zero-point and each of the remainder a signal, the whole number of signals embracing a series covering, as herein shown, the ordinary wants of a guest at a hotel, with a few specials, which will cover particular wants, memoranda of which 4may be left with the receiving-clerk at the hotel-office.A The said dial is secured to three posts C, formed integralwith a circular back D, having perforations E, through which screws are passed for securing theinstrument to a wall or to any other suitable place forit.

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A ring F, secured to the periplieryof such back, forms with the same the case of the instrument, its outer edge being turned inwardly to form a shoulder G. (See Figs. l and 3.) A mat ll, resting upon the dial, supports a eentrally-perforated glass disk I, which it holds against the said shoulder G, and secures sutlicient space between the dial and the glass disk for the reception and free actuation of an indicator J, rigidly secured to an arbor K, projecting through the dial and disk, and pro vided upon its pri jecting enter end with a kiiiirled tliiiiiib-iiut L, by means of which it is turned to bring the said indicator into alignment with anyof the said compartments of the dial. The said arbor is liournaled in a frame secured to the back l), and composed of plates M M. and pillars N N, as shown. A star-wheel O, having the same number of teeth that the dial has compartments, is also rigidly secured to the arbor, being' located between the plates M M and arranged so thatthe respective teeth correspond to the several compartments, whereby its rotation in either direction through a space represented by one or more of its teeth will be accompanied by a movement of the indicator over a correspondingniimber of compartments. The said arbor also carries asleevc P, having' at its inner end a circular ilange Q, in te the periphery of which is set a block R, of insulating inaterial, the said flange and block forming the circuit-controller of the transmitter and also of the apparatus. The wheel is embraced and actuated by an anchor-shaped pallet S, provided with an arm T, secured at its outer end to a staff l", pivoted between the plates M M aforesaid.. An armature XV, secured to the said arm T, is located in the presence of the poles of a magnet composed of a coil X and an angled bar Y, of sot't iron, the coil being attached to the short leg of such bar, thesaine leg whereof is secured to an angled brass plate Z, fastened to the back D of the instrument. A spiral spring A', attached to the said armature and the back D, holds the former normally away from tliemagnet. One end of the magnet-coil is connected, through a branched conductor B', with two flexible fingers C' C', engaging with theperiphery of the flange Q and with the block R, located therein, and secured to a block D', of insulating material, attached tothe back D aforesaid.

A strap E', secured to the ring F, carries at ils outer end a cireuit-interrupter consisting, as shown, of a liasp F', provided with a hollow boss G', adapted to lit over the thumbnut L, an operating-button ll', and an inwaidly-projectiiig linger I', forming an eXtensioii of a stitfening-wire J', fastened to the under face of the liasp, which forms a guard for the thumb-nut. The said ingerl' engages, wlieii the hasp is closed, with a contactspring K', inclosed in a chambered block ll', of insulating material, secured to the ring F at a point opposite the strap before mentioned. A wire M leads from the said contact-spring K' to the main wire N', which connects all ot' the transmitters in a series and includes a battery O and the receiver. The other end of the coil X is connected to a special wire P', independently connecting the transmitter with the said receiver. If desired, these connections with the coil may be reversed.

'llie receiver, as herein shown, is designed for a three-liiiiidred-room hotel, and has a case Q', adapted to be secured to a wallsay that of the hotel-otlice-and provided with a door or frameR',carrying upon its outer face a dial S', having a circular sericsof numbers extending from one to one hundred ruiming from right to left and beginning at the center of its lower edge. .lust above such point tliedial is provided with the numbers l and formed in large characters and normally concealed by drops T' T', carried by rotatable spindles U' l', operated to reverse the positions of the drops and expose and conceal the said characters, which are respectively used with the outer seiies of numbers to indicate all the numbers from one hundred and one up to two hundred and from two hundred. and one up to three hundred, whereby the confusion which would result from and the space which would be required by aseries ruiming from one to three hundred is avoided. ly the use of more numbers and drops the range of the receiver may be further increased without enlarging the dial. A locating-indieator V', so called becausc.it locates the transmitters, is carried by a rotating spindle lV', projecting centrally through the dial, and is normally at rest, being started and swept over the dial and stopped against the several numbers in the series aforesaid. Titliin the number series signals corresponding in character and location to those on the dials ofthe transmitters are reversel y arranged in a circular series of compartments X' and specified by a signal-indicatorY',nornially at rest over the zero or uppermost compartment and sccured to a sleeve Z', mounted upon the spindle lV' aforesaid.

By opening t-he door R of the case Q' a button-board A2, hinged in the back ot' the ease at the opposite edge thereof from the said door, is disclosed. This board has mounted iii it a biiidiiig-post 152 for each of the whole number of transmitters, the special wires P' whereof are brought through the back of the case and respectively attached to the said posts. lVires C? (see Fig. 212) lead from the said posts through an opening (see Fig. il) in the said board to a corresponding number ot' terminals or contact-buttons D2, arranged in three concentric circular series ol one limitired-buttons each and insulated each from the other in a tlat rubber disk E2, secured to a circular metallic plate Ff, held ol't' from the board by means of pillars G2, (see Fig. 11,) springing from a metallic ring llfi, secured. to such board and inelosing the opening therein,

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the said buttons constituting the terminals of the special wires P of the respective transmitters, of which those in the rooms of the hotel numbered from one up to one hundred have their terminals in the outerseries of buttons, those in rooms numbered from one hundred and one through two hundred in the middle series of buttons, and those from two hundred and one through three hundred in the inner series of buttons. Three circuitclosers 12, e'ach consisting of a thin fiat spring, are respectively arranged to sweep the three series of buttons, being attached to radial arms J2, secured at equidistant points to a.

- of the main line and insulated each from the other in the disk E2, the brush secured to the arln carrying the circuit-closer sweeping the outer series of buttons being arranged to' sweep` the outer ring, that carried by the arm supporting the circuit-closer of the middle series the middle ring, and that carried by the arm of the circuit-closer of the inner series sweeping the inner ring. The outer end of the short shaft L2 has rigidly secured to it a locking-wheel P2, which is therefore permanently and positively coupled with the circuit-closers, the same being rigidly connected with the said shaft,wherebythe integrity of the relations between the wheel and closersis always preserved and reliability of indication secured. The face-teeth of the said wheel P2 are engaged by the short arm of a locki n g-lever Q2, (see Fig. 7,) pivoted to theframe M2 at a point below the wheel and having the opposite end of its long arm engaged with an armature R2, (see u Fig. 7,) hung from its upper end in bearings S2,

and located in the presence of the poles of a magnet T2, secured to an arm offsetting from the plate F2 aforesaid. A link U2, pivotally suspended from the long arm of the said lever, is provided with a pin V2, (see Fig. 13,) entering a slot YV 2, formed in the crankarm X2, attached to the shaft of a rubber switch-cylin der Y2, horizontally mounted in a frame Z2, and provided with brass blocks A2 and B2, respectively engaged by four fingers C2 and two fingers D2, all of which are insulated each from the other in a rubber block E2, attachee` to the said arm Z2. A spring F2, connected with the long` arm of the said lever and attached at its outer end to the ring F2, is provided for engaging the short end of the lever with the locking-wheel the moment the long end thereof is released by the armature.

Branch wires G2 lead from the respective buttons D2' to corresponding fingers H2, of which ,there is one foreach button, and hence for each transmitter, the said fingers being secured to hard-rubber plates I3, upon which they arevinsulated each from the other, an d arranged in three groups of two rows each, so as to co-operate with three horizontal and rotatable brass inake-and-break rods J2, each provided with two insulating-strips K2, arranged for engagement by the said fingers. The ends of the said rods are journaled in a frame L2, also supporting the plate I3 and secured to a heavy block M2, attached to the board A2, and located directly below the plate F2, before mentioned. Pins N2, (see Fig. 11,) projecting rearwardly from the respective rods, pass through openings O2, formed for them in a vertical bar P3, mounted in bearings Q3, in which it moves vertically and projecting at its lower end below the frame L3 for engagement, as will be described later on, for being lifted to rotate the said rods which it couples. Springs R2, connected with the respective pins and with the back of the frame L3, are provided for turning the rods back to their normal positions after they have been rotated by lifting the bar P2, whichv is retracted at the same time.

I would have it understood that I make no claim to the arrangement of fingers, rotatable rods, and the connections thereof, just above described, and I would remark that such devices for simultaneously cutting out and cutting in all of the special transmitter-circuits may be replaced by any other suitable means for the purpose. The upper end of the said bar is provided with a finger S2, (see Fig. 7,) adapted to be engaged with the longer arm of the said lever Q2 and to operate when the bar is lifted to disengage the short arm of the lever from the lockingwheel and to recouple its longer arm with the lower end of the arm ature R2. The upper Aend of the" said bar is also provided witlrawrhiTS, connecting with the short arm of a horizontal switch-lever U3, located just above the frame L2 and having its long arm adapted to engage with the upper end of an armature 73, pivotally mounted atits lower end in bearings )V2 and located secured to the block M2. The said arm of the lever is necked, as at Y2, to adapt it to be engaged by a slotted crank -arm Z2, secured to the shaft of a switch-cylinder A4, journaled in a bracket B4, secured tothe frame A2 and provided with two metallic blocks C* and D4, (see Figs. 7 and 12,) respectively engaged by four fingers E4 E4 and F4 F4, attached to a rubber block G4, fastened to the said bracket B4. A bell -hammer H4, secured to the long arm of the leverfUS, strikes, when the lever is released by the armature, a suitably' placed bell I4. A coupling-pin J4, projecting forward from the said locking-wheel P2, enters, when the door R is closed, between the arms of a yoke K4, (sce Figs. 7 and 8,) formed at one .end of a counterbalanced arm L4, secured to the inner end of the spindle lV', carrying the locating-iiulicator V', which is thus caused to operate in unison with the circuit closers I2 in the presence of the poles of a magnet X2,

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IIOl

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as they sweep over the contact -buttons D2. When the described coupling between the pin and yoke is made, the eircuit-closers, leeking-wheel, and the said indicator are, for all purposes ot reliability ot indication, posi tively coupled together. The said spindle )V is journaled in two frame -plates M and Nl, secured together and to the back oil the door R and corresponding to the two plates of a eloekmovemcnt, and actuated by a heavy coiled spring O, (see Fig. 0,) located between such plates and drivin gatrain of wheels and pinions, includinga pinion P1 and a wheel Q, mounted on the spindle \V, which thus actuated.

An escapement-whcel R4, (see Fig. 8,) engaged by a pallet Si, controls the running ot the train, which is normally locked by the engagement of the stop-'finger T4, located upon the periphery of one of its wheels U, which is mounted on the same shaft with the eseapement-wheel, with a detent formed by the tail of an armature V", located in the presence of thepoles of amagnet W4, mounted horizontally upon the upper edges of the plates hl'l and N* and located over the train just described, the upper end of this armature being provided with a finger X4, adapted to engage, when the magnet is energized and the armature attracted to its poles, with a contactpoint Yi, insulated from the said plates. A light spiral spring Z", attached to this armature, serves to hold it normally away from the poles of the magnet with its tail in position to be engaged by the stopnger T4 of the wheel U". The said train, which maybe called the locating-train, because it drives the locating-indicator, forms mechanical. means for actuating the said indicator, leaving nothing for the current to do, so far as locating the transmitter is concerned, but to release the train, whereby I am enabled to operate my device with a very light current. The said spindle W also carries the sleeve Z (see Figs. l0 and 1]) of the signal-indicator Y', such sleeve being provided with a heart-shaped cam A, the function of which will be set forth later on, with a eounterweight B5 for the said cam, and with a star-wheel C, which is engaged and actuated by an anchoishaped pallet D, fulcrumed to the outer face of the outer plate M and having its tail provided with a spring E, which is successively engaged by the teeth of a nal-wheel F, secured to the forward end of an arbor G, (see Fig. 9,) mounted in theplates aforesaid and carrying a pinion Il, and a wheel I, constituting elements of a train actuated by a coiled spring J",'torinii1g the motive power for the actuation of the si gn al-indicator Y and corresponding to the spring O", before described, the said train being controlled in ruiming down by an escapement-whecl Q and a pallet. Rf. (Shown by Fig. 9 ot the drawings.)

A make-and-break wheel K, (see Fi S,)-a rheotomesecured to the inner end of the arbor G and located in the main circuit which includes the plates, provided with cogs, which are engaged by a spring-finger L, mounted on a rubber block hl", secu red tothe plate Nl and connected by a wire N5 with one end of the coil oi a magnet O, located in the main circuit, mounted upon the upper edges of the plates MV71 and N'l at a point over the train etl the spring .l5 and provided with an armature l, normally held in engagement with the cogs ot' the malie-and-break-wheel by a spiral spring lt, as shown. The train last mentioned may be called the signaltrainj7 because its function is to actuate the signal-indicator 'Y' which reproduces the si nais of the transmitters by specifying them upon the dial ot the receiver. This train thus forms mechanical means for operating the signal-indicator, leaving nothing for the current to do, so fai-.as ythe .reproduction of the signal is concerned, but to release the signal-train, whereby I am enabled to work the apparatus with the minimum of current. The signal-train has also another important function in actuating the rheotome and thus relieving the current of that work.

The herein-shown gearing or connection between the indicator Y and the signal-train, and consisting of the wheel F5, the spring E, the pallet D, and the star-wheel C, may be replaced by any suitable gearing or conneeting mechanism.

Although the locating and signal trains are herein shown to be operated by springs, it is apparent that they may be operated by weights. The two trains in themselves are composed oi ordinary arbors, pinions, and wheels, of which only those directly co-operating with other features oi the apparatus havebeen lettered, and this to avoid too many letters upon the drawings and to secure simplicity ol' description.

The spindles U U', (see Fig. 8,) carrying the drops T T (see Fig. 5) at their forward ends, are respectively mounted in heads Si', (sce Fig. S,) secured to the back of; the door 1t. Each spindle is provided. at its rear end with a counteraveight T5, having an inwardly-projecting pin U5, (sce Fig. 11,) normally engaging with the bent upper end of the t-aii ot' an armature Y", ot which there is one for each spindle, these armatures being respectivcly located in the presence of the poles of two magnets )V5 Vl, also secured to the back ot the door R. f

The long operating-lever X5, (sec l-`ig. 8,) adapted to be vertically reciproeated in bear li ugs Y, secured to the back. of the said door,

is located between the same and the outer plate M" of the two plates M and N". This lever is provided at its lower end with an ant-ifriction roller Z, which rests upon the arm A" ot a handle l5, pivoted in the lower edge of the door and operating, when it is swung from the vertical, to lift the lever. iins C C, (sce Fig. 10,) located side by side and extending inwardly from the lever, are respect- IOO IIO

ively engaged by the ends of horizontal winding-arms D D, secured to the forward ends of the main arbors of the trains, to which the inner ends of the actuating-springs O'L and J 5 are secured, whereby the lifting of the said operating-lever operates to wind the springs, and so furnish power for the actuation of the said locating' and signal trains. The described engagement of the inner ends of the winding-arms and the said pins forms, soto speak, a Iiexible connection between the arms and the manual operating-lever. A two-armed lever E, pivoted to the lever X5 at a point just above the pins aforesaid, is provided at the cud of its long arm with an anti-friction roll FG, adapted to engage, when the' lever is lifted, with the periphery of the heart-shaped cam AG and invert the same, with Ythe effect of restoring the signal-iinilicator Y', carried by the sleeve Z', which also carries the said cam, to its normal position, in which it points to t-he uppermost or zero compartment in the series of signal-compartments on the dial S', the indicator and cam being arranged so that the indicator extends in exactly the opposite direction from that in which the depression of the cam normally faces.

In order to relieve the cam and the spindle carrying it from too great pressure from the said two-armed lever, the same is pivotally secured to the operating-lever, as described, and normallysupported in its operating position by a spring G, one end of which is attached to its longer arm and the otherend to a finger HG, secured to the operating-lever, which is provided with a pin IG, extending into an elongated horizontal slot J G, formed in the short arm of the lever Ef and co-operating with the pin to limit the rocking movement thereof. It will thus be seen that when the pressure of the roll F6 on the heart-shaped cam exceeds a predetermined and safe amount, regulated by the spring G, the two-armed lever will retire and so prevent bending the spindle or any other straining of parts.

A long pin K6, (see Figs. S and 11,) projecting inwardly from the upper end of the operating-lever, engages, when the lever is lifted, with the outer end of a horizontal catch L, pivoted over the magnet lVt and provided upon its lower face with a short pin M, (see Figs. S and 9,) which is normally engaged with the upper end of the armature V4 of the said magnet \V*, so that when the magnet is energized and the armature is withdrawn from under the pin the catch will drop by gravity and hold the armature in its attracted position, in which its lower end, forming a traindetent, is carried beyond the range of the stop-finger T4 of the wheel U4 of the locatingtrain, which will run as long as the armature is so held aud there is any power in its actuating-spring O4. Then the operating-lever is lifted, its pin KG lifts the catch LG and permits the spring Z4 to pull the armature back to its normal position and throw the detent thereof into the path of the stop-finger, so

that the lifting of the operating-lever permits the said spring to stop the locating-train.

A horizontal arm N, (see Fig. 8,) secured to the operating-lever at a point below the plates M4 and N4, is provided with two pins O6 O, respectively adaptedto engage with the counter-weights T5 T5 and restore them, when the operating-lever is lifted, to their normal positions, in which their pins U5 engage with the bent tails of the parmatures V5 of the dropr-magn ets '5.

An arm P, projecting inwardly from the lower end of the operating-lever, is adapted to engage, when the door R' is closed,with the lower end of the vertical bar P3, which it lifts to different ends, as will be described later on.

The independent mechanism mounted between the plates M4 and N4 and including the locating and signal trains supplies the entire motive power for the apparatus, (except for the power required to step back the indicators of thc transmitters,) such power being simply cut in,so to speak, by the electric current. The device, then, properly speaking, is a mechanical device controlling an electric current. By thus using mechanical power instead of electrical energy for actuating the receiver,l am enabled to greatly simplify and cheapen the construction of the same andreduce the expense of keeping it in repair, there being practically no expense for power which is applied by the operator, who, in resetting the receiver, winds. the springs, and that without appreciating the additional effort required therefor. By making the circuit-@losers and the locking-wheel form one mechanism and the trains and the stopping and starting devices form one mechanism and adapting the two mechanisms to be coupled together, as described, all of the parts, and particularly the terminals and the circuit-closers, are made very readily accessible for the purposes of attention and repair. Furthermore, by making the locking-wheel independent of the train by which it is operated it is unaffected by the lost motion or backlash thereof and the integrity of its locking action preserved thereby, whereas when the locking-wheel has been located in the train actuating` it, as in prior constructions, it partakes of the lost motion thereof, with obvious detriment to the reliability of its performance in locking the circuit-closer and indicator coupled with it in the right place. By providing a catch to hold the detent of the locating-train in its retired position during the operation of the train the current is relieved of that duty, whereby battery-power is saved and the resist-ance in the machine greatly reduced. The cutting of the receiver-magnets out of the circuit as soon as they have done their work obviously effects the same results as just above mentioned.

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The wiring of the transmitters was de-' scribed in connection with their construction.

That of the receiver will now be set forth. It

has been explained that the special wires l of the transmitters lead to contaet-lmttons in the receiver and that branch wires G3 lead from such buttons to the respective contact fingers l'li. The outer contact-ri11g()`-is connected by a wire to (see Fig. l2) with one ot the two fingers E, the other finger E* et the pair being eonnectedby a wire l) with one et the two fingers D, whereof the other finger is connected by a wire c with one end of: the coil of' the magnet T2, which is connected through a wire (l with the binding-post l, having a wire c leading to the battery. The middle and innerof the rings O2 are connected by independent wiresff, leading through the posts 2 2 2 2, with the respective drop-mag nets l l lV", which are connected by a wire g common to them both, through the posts 3 3, to the wire n, leading to ille right-hand finger of the two fingers Ef. The three rings (')iare also connected by independent wires Lto the three left-hand fingers C?, the remaining finger of this group being connected through a wire i', leading through posts t t, to the 1nagnet 0;, located in the main line and having the opposite end of its coil connected by a wire i with the spring-fi nger lf, from which the current flows to the make-and-brea-k wheel K, and thence to the plate N1, which is connected by a wire 7i', leading through a pest 5, to the bindingpost l, having connection through the wire c with the battery. All ot' the fingers Iii" are connected together through the make-and-break rods J3, and hence with the `frame L, in whiehthey are mounted, such frame being connected by a wire 7, leadingl through posts G tl, with one end of the coil ot' the starting-magnet XV", connected by a wire m with the plate N1, which, as before described, has a wire 7s leading from it to the post l. A wire n leads from the battery through the post 7 to the lett-hand of thetwo fingers F1, the right-hand finger of this pair being connected by a wire o to one end et the coil of the magnet X, which is connected by a wire p, leading through posts S S, to the contact-finger Y, engaging, when the magnet lV is energized, with the finger X4, connected with the plates liandNhand hence with the battery through the wires 7.# and c.

Having fully described myimproved apparatus, I will new give an example of its operation. ].et it be assumed that a guest in room numbered desires that a messenger be sent to him. lle goes to the transmitter in his room and grasps the button Il of its hasp F', which he then swings open to expose the thumb-nut. L, at the same time cutting the instrument out of circuit by disengaging the finger I', connected with the instrument, and hence in the main line from the contactspring K', insulated from the instrument, but connected with the special line .leading therefrom to the receiver. The thumb-nut `is now turned to sweep the indicator of the partment thereof containing the word Messenger, which is the thirteenth compartA ment i'rom the Zero-cempartment counting from left te right. liy turning the nut as described the rubber block R (see Figs. 2 and 3) in the flange (2 is carried l'rom under the fingers C C', and the edge ot the flange brought into contact with the same without, however, closing the circuit through the transmitter, which is still ent out of the circuit. The described movement of the nutalso `rotates the star-wheel O in the same direction with the indicator through an are represented by thirteen of its teeth. ',Ihe indicator having new been set; in the right place, the haspis swungbaek over the thumbnut and its finger I is re-engaged with the contact-spring K. A current will new flow from the battery O through the main-line wire N', the contact-finger K', the hasp 1*", the strap lC, and the ring l? to the back l) oi' the instrument, and thence through the plates lil lil, the sleeve l) the arbor l, and the flange Q, to the contact-fingers (1 C,thence through the wire ll to the magnetX, thence through the special wire i to its binding-post b2 and eoutact-button l)-, fiowing from the latter to the corresponding spring-finger li, thence through the niake-aml-break rod J which the particular finger is engaged with to the tramel'r", thence through the wire Z (see diagram) and posts G fi to the magnet lV, which it energizes, thence through the wire nl, to the plate N, and thence through the wire 7u, posts 5 andV l, and wire c to the battery again. 'lhe magnet: W1, when energized as described, attracts the armature Y, the finger X whereofl is then cngztged with the contactdinger Yl, causing a current to flow from the battery through the wire 7L, post 7, the left-hand finger F', the block C the right-hand finger-lil', the wire 0, magnet X, wire p, posts S 8, then through the said point Y, the finger X1, the armature V1, the plates M" and N, the wire 7u, posts 5 and l, and the line c, and thence to the battery. The magnet X3, being energized, pulls the upper end et its armature Y out from over the longer end ot the leverU', and permits the springs R3 to depress the vertically-movable bar l, and so rotate themakeand-break rods J coupled therewith tobi-ing the rubber strips K under the fingers Il, whereby allot the branch circuits through the said fingers are broken. iVhen the said springs pull the bar down, the longer end of the lever l?" flies up, whereby its bell-ham mer il1 is caused to strike the bell Il and the crank-arm Z' connected with it to rotate the switch-cylinder to carry the block t?" out from under the fingers l1 if, and thus cutthe magnet Xi", which has just been energized, out of circuit, the described rotation of the switch-cylinder also operating to bring the block D" under the fingers E E". The energization of the magnet lV and the attraction of. the armature Y effect, also, the release of the locating-train ot' the receiver by IOO IIO

withdrawing the detent of the said armature from the stop-iin ger T'l in the wheel U4. This train, being released, rotates the arm L4, coupled with the locking-wheel P2, mounted on the shatt L2 and carrying the arms J2 of the circuit-@losers I2, which are swept over the contact-buttons D2 until the closer sweeping the outer row of buttons comes in contact with the button with which the special wire P of the transmitter in room 3 is connected. As soon as the closer touches this button a current iiows from the battery through the arm carrying the closer, through the brush N2 carried by such arm, through the outer ring O2, thence through the wire a to the righthand finger E4, through the block D4, the left-hand finger E4, the wire l), the right-hand finger D2, the block B3, the left-hand linger D3, thence through the wire c to the magnet T2, thence through the wire (l, the post l, and the wire e to the battery. The said magnet T2, being energized, pulls the armature R2 away from the locking-lever Q2, which is then immediately engaged by action of the spring F2 with the locking-wheel P2, which for all indicating purposes is positively coupled with the locating-indicatorV', carried bythe same shaft XV and pointing to the number 34 on the dial S of the receiver. As the spring F2 pulls down the outer end of the locking-lever, the link U2, attached to the same, and the crank-arm X2 combine to rotate the switch-cylinder Y2 to carry the block "2 thereof Vout from under the Vingers D2. whereby the magnet T2 is cut out of circuit, and to cut the fingers C2 into the circuit by bringing the block A2 under them. The circuit through the fingers D2 D2 being broken, the current will tlow through that one of the wires 7i which is connected to the outer ring O2, to the extreme left-hand finger C2, thence through the wire t' and posts 4 4 to the magnet O5, thence through the wire N5 to the finger L, thence to the make-and-break wheel K5, and thence through the plate N1 to the wire 7e, the posts 5 and 1, and the wire e to the battery. rlhemagnet O5 being energized, its armature P5 is attracted to it, with the eitect of pulling the stop-lever g5 connected with it out ot engagement with the makeand-brake wheel K, which is rotated by the signal-train, which starts as soon as the wheel K5 is released. It may be noted here that the signal-train is automatically released by the locating-train acting through the circuitclosers and a magnet in the circuit. The wheel F5, rotating with the make-and-break wheel and acting through the anchor-shaped pallet B5 and the star-wheel C5, rotates the sleeve Z? and advances the signal-indicator Y from right to left step by step over the signal-compartments on the dial S of the receiver. As the cogs of the make-and-break wheel pass the iinger L, the main circuit is alternately made and broken. Every time this occurs the magnet in the transmitter will be energized, with the effect of attracting its armature and giving an impulse to the anchor-shaped pallet embracing the star-wheel, which will be turned back from right to left through the distance represen ted by one tooth every time the magnet is energized or the ci rcuit is'interrupted. These interruptions will go on until the insulating-block in the iiange rotating with such wheel has been brought under the contact-fingers C C' of the transmitter, and this will be, in the supposed case in hand, after the star-wheel has been tu rncd back thirteen points, for it will be remembered that the compartment on the transmitterdial containing the word Messenger is the thirteenth in number from the zero compartment counting from left to right; but meanwhile vfor every make and break of the circuit effected by the wheel K5 the wheel Fi? and the palletD5have moved the signal-indicator a step over the signalcolnpartments on the dial ot the receiver, so that when the indicator in the transmitter is returned to its normal position the corresponding indicator of the receiver will be left over a signal corresponding to that to which the transmitter was set-in this case Messenger. The breaking of the main circuit in the transmitter, as described, demagnetizes the magnet O, and so releases its armature, whereby the stop-lever Q5 will be operated by the action of the spring Rr to lock the makeand-break wheel, and hence the signal-indicator Y. It may be well to state here that the interruptions of the currents through the magnet X, caused by sh'unting it through the magnets XW', X2, and T2, do not permit the said magnet X to operate in stepping the pointer J back each time vthe current is interrupted, and so destroying the correct operation of the apparatus, because the magnets NV and X3 and T2 are of such high resistance that the current which flows when they. are included is insufiicient to operate the said magnet X. It may be added that the magnet O5 corresponds in resistance, which is very low. It will thus be seen that in response to setting the transmitter in a certain room to a certain signal the receiver in the office has automatically located that room and reproduced the signal, the signal-repreducing mechanism having been automatically released and started in operation through the agency of the room-locating mechanism, and the apparatus having finallybeen stopped by the breaking of the circuit where it was originally closed. The return of the indicator of the transmitter to its position ot rest also serves to indicate to the guest who has operated the instrument that the receiver has responded to his demand upon it. In case the transmitters are in rooms numbered overone hundred the circuit from the middle or inner contact-ring will be through one of the wires ff, one pair of the posts 2 2, and one of the magnets W5, thence through the common return-wire g to the wire a, and thence to the right-hand linger E, thus looping in one of IOO IIO

the dropanagnets V". lhen one of these magnets is energized, it attracts its armature, and so pulls the tail thereot' out from under the pin U"o|' the eountcraveight T5 combined with the magnetenergized. The weight then drops and rotates the spindle U', to which a drop J is attached, the drop being reversed to expose one of the large characters on the dial: lhc character thus exposed read in con ]unction with the outerseries of numbers, as has been explained. Otherwise than as Just above the operation of the apparatus for rooms above one hundred is the same as tor rooms below one hundred. After the room has been located and the signal reljnoduced, as described, the operattn'say the reeeivii'xgclerk-resets the receiver for operation with anothertransmiiterbygraspingthe handlell and swinging itto operate the operating-lever X". This et't'ects the winding of the springs through the fingers D D, the restoration et the signal-indicator to its normal position through the two-armed lever E and the ,heartshaped cam A5, the release th rough the pin K and catch L of the armatul'e Y, so as to permit its tail tohold the signal-train, the restoration through the arm N" and. its inwardlyprojecting pins 0 O of the drops '1" 'l" to theirnormal positions, and the lifting through the arm 1) ot' the vertically-movable bar l, whereby the make-ainl-break rods Ji are ro` tated to cut in all of the fingers ll, and whereby the locking-lever Q2 lifted to disengage it from the stop-wheel l, and so unlock the same and re-engage its opposite end with the armature R2 of the magnet Tl, the switehcylinder rotated to cnt in the lingers D Dfi and to eut out the lingers C, and the lever U3 .lifted to re-engage it with the armature V3 of the magnet X3 and to rotate the switch-cylinderAAl to cnt in the fingers E'1 E* and to cut .out the `lingers Fl 1". It will thus be seen that the simple operation of swinging the handle il is made use of to restore the several parts of the receiver to their normal positions of readiness to be operated upon demand ot a transmitter and to wind the trains. In case more than one transmitter is set at a time the receiver will tirst respond to the demand of that transmitter which has its eontaet-button in advance of and nearest toits eircnit-closer- After the receiver has responded to such transmitter and the operating-handle has been manipulated to restore the parts of the receiver to their normal positions, the receiver will then go on and respond to the demand of that transmitter having its contact button in advance of and nearest to its cireuit-closer,a1ul so on, the operatang-handle being' maniliulated between each operation ot the receiver, and there be ing suiiicient time between the successive indications of the same for the operator er clerk to give any orders that may be called f or by the signa-ls or wants. It; will thus be seen that although several transmitters are set at the same time no interference results, but

that the several numbers and signals are brought in without eont'usion in the order ol the nearness ot' their contact-buttons to the eireuit-closers, which discrimimtte only in favor of buttons ahead ot them.

I disclaim First. The combination ot an electric eircnit, an electro-magnet included therein at a sub-station, an automatic rheotome for completing' and interrupting the connections thereof at a main station, and a circuit-inter rnpting device at the substation normally ljn'eahing the circuit and closing the same when set, and brought into action by the said electro-magnet and serving to interrupt the connections ot said circuit when a determinate numberof interruptions and ctnnpletions ot the circuit have been occasioned by the said rheotome.

Second. 'lhe combination, with a series ot' variable signal-transmitters, each havin g an indicator, a ci reuit-controller, and a magnet, oi a receiver having a transmitter-indicator, an automatieally-started signal-indicator and a rheotome, and an electriccircuitbetween the transmitters and l'eeeiver, including the magnets ot the former and the rheotome olf the latter, the interruptions of the circuit bythe rheotome causing' the magnets ot. the trans mitters to restore the indicators thereof and break the said circuiti.

rlhird. The combination,with a series of variable signaltransmitters, of a series olf terminals respectively connected therewith, a eireuit-eloser normally at rest, and when in motion successively making contact with the said terminals which are located in its path, a detient for normally restraining the circuitcloser, a magnet for operati ng the detent to release the circuit-closer and controlled by the circuit between the transmitters and ter minals, and a signal-iinlicator also controlled by the said circuit.

Fourth. In an electric indicator, the combination, with a series of sigual-transmitters, of a corresponding' series of terminals located at a receiving-station, a movable circuit-closer to engage with such terminals, an indicator normally coupled with the circuitcloser for locating the transmitters, and a locking-wheel for locking the said indicator in any of its positions, the cireuitcloser and wheel being` permanently coupled together, so that the integrity of their relations is always preserved and reliability ol` indication secured.

Fifth. The combination, with a variable nal-transmitter having an indicator, an electro-magi'iet for returning the same to its position ot rest, and a eireuit-controllcr, of a signal-imlicator located at a receiving-stir tion tor reproducing any signal to which the transmitter may be set, an electro-magnet also located at the receiving-station, an electric circuit controlling such magnet, a detent constantly impelled to stop the signal-indicator and thereto released by the said circuit as soon as the signal has been reproduced,

ICO

TIO

the said magnets, a detent constantly impelled to stop the signal-indicator and thereto released by the said circuit when the signal has been reproduced, and an automatic rheotome mechanically connected with the signal-indicator and located in the said circuit and interrupting the same, whereby the magnet of the transmitter operates to return the indicator thereof to its position of rest and to break the circuit.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. An electric receiver having a locating` train and a signal-train, a locating-indicator connected with one train and a signal-indicator connected with the other train, a manual operating-lever, and connections between the trains and the lever, whereby both trains are wound up when the lever is operated, substantially as set forth.

2. An electric receiver having two actuating-trains, winding-arms secured to the main arbors thereof, and a manual operating-lever flexibly connected with such arms, whereby the trains are wound when the lever is manually operated, substantially as set forth.

3. In an electric receiver, the combination, with a locating-train and a signal-train, of a locating-indicator and a signal-indicator respectively operated by the said trains, two windingarms respectively secured to the main arbors of the trains, and a manual oper` ating-lever extending between the two trains and connected with each of the said arms, which extend inwardly toward it, whereby both trains are Wound up when the lever is operated, substantially as set forth.

4.- In an electric indicator, the combination, with a series of variable signal-transmitters, of a corresponding series of terminals located at a receiving-station, a movable circuit-closer to engage with such terminals, a locating-indicator, a locating-train for actuating the same, a signal-indicator, a signal-train for actuating the same, a lever for winding both of the said trains at one operation, an electric circuit be tween the transmitters and the receiving-station, and means located in the circuit for starting both trains,substantially as set forth.

5. In an electric indicator, the combination, with a series of variable signal-transmitters, of a corresponding series of terminals located at a receiving-station, a movable circuit-closer tov successively engage with the said terminals, a locating-indicator, a locating-train for actuating the same, a signal-indicator, a signal-train for actuating the same, a heartshaped cam coupled with the si gnal-indicator, an electric circuit between the transmitters and the receiving-station, means located in the circuit for starting the trains, and an operating-lever adapted at one operation to wind both of the said trains and move the heartshaped cam in restoring thev signal-indicator to its normal position, substantially as set forth.

6. In an electric indicator, the combination, with a series of variable signal-transmitters, of a corresponding series of terminals located at a receivingfstation, a circuit-closer to successively engage with the said terminals, a locking-wheel coupled with the circuit-closer,

.and a mechanism mounted to be moved up to the circuit-closer for co-operation therewith and to be moved away therefrom, and comprising a locating-indicator, a signal-indicator, a locating-train, a signal-train, a rheotome, magnets for starting each of the said trains, and an operating-lever for winding both of the said trains at one operation, substantially as described.

7. In an electric receiver, the combination, with a series of terminals, of a circuit-closer ad apt-ed t-o successively engage with the same, a train for driving the said circuit-closer, a detent for normally restraining the operation of the train, a magnet for retiring the detent to release the train, an electric circuit controlling the said magnet, and a detainer for mechanically holding the detent in its retired position while the train is running, whereby batterynpower is saved and the tension in the machine reduced, substantially as described.

8. In an electric receiver, the combination, with a series of terminals, of a circuit-closer adapted to successively engage with the sam e, a train for driving the said circuit-closer, a detent for normally restraining the train, a magnet for retiring the detent to release the train, an electric circuit controlling the said magnet, means for mechanically holding the detent in its retired. position while the train is running, and a lever for freeing the detent from tlie means mechanically retaining it, substantially as described.

9. In an electric receiver, the combination, with a series of terminals, of a circuit-closer adapted to successively engage with the same, a train for driving the said circuit-closer, a detent for normally restraining the train, .a magnet for retiring the detent to release the train, an electric circuit controlling the said magnet, a gravity-catch for holding the detent in its retired position, and means for operating` the catch to permit the detent to resume its normal position, substantially as described.

10. An electric receiver having an indicator, a heart-shaped cam coupled therewith IIO and having a depression in one end, and an operating-lever provided with a finger movable radially with respect to the cam and cn'- gaging with the periphery thereof to rotate the cam and restore the indicator to its normal position to which it is brought positively by the entrance of the linger into the depression in the cam, substantially as described.

l1. An electric receiver having an indicator, a heart-shaped cam having a depression in one end coupled therewith, an operating-lever, and a yieldingr linger carried thereby and movable radially with respect to the cam and engaging', when the lever is operated, with the periphery of the cam,whieh it rotates until it enters the depression thereof and brings the cam to a positive stop and restores the indicator to its normal position, the yielding linger preventing undue strain upon the center on which the cam is mounted, substantially as described.

12. An electric indicator having a receiver provided with a series of terminals, a rotatable circuit-closer for engagement with such terminals, a train mounted upon a swinging door or franfe, and coupling mechanism to couple the train with the circuit-closer when the door or frame is closed, but uncoupling them when the same is opened, substantially as set forth.

13. An electric indicator having a receiver provided with a series of terminals, and a rotatable circuit-closer carrying a coupling-pin to sweep over them, and a train mounted upon a swinging door or frame and provided with a yoke coupling with the said pin when the door or frame is closed, substantially as set forth.

ll. An electric indicator having a receiver provided with a series of terminals, a rotatable circuit-closer, and mechanism constructed independent of the terminals and closer and including trains and magnets and train-controlling mechanism and mounted to be moved up to and away from the said terminals and closer, and coupling mechanism to couple one of the said trains with the circuit-closer when the said independent mechanism is moved toward the same and uncoupling the said parts when the said mechanism is moved away from the circuit-closer, substantially as set forth.

l5. An electric indicator having a receiver provided with a series of terminals, a rotatable circuitcloser, a locking-wheel permanently connected therewith and carrying a coupling-pin, and a mechanism adapted to be moved away from the said terminals, closer, and wheel to give access to them, and ineluding magnets, trains, train-controlling mechanism, and a coupling-arm for coupling with the said pin, substantially as set forth.

1G. In an electric receiver, the combination, with a series of terminals, of a circuit-closer adapted to successively engage with the same, a train for driving the said circuit-closer, a detent for normally restraining the train, a

magnet for retiring the detent to release the train, an electric circuit controlling the said magnet, a gravity-catch for holding the detent in its retired position, and an operatinglever adapted to wind the train and at the same time to operate the catch in releasing the detent, substantially as described.

17. In an electric indicator, the combination, with an actuating-train, an armature having a detent to hold the train when it is wound up, a magnet to operate the said armature, a catch to engage the armature to hold the detent away from the train after the magnet has been demagnetized, and an operatinglever adapted to wind up the train and to disengage the said catch from the said armature, substantially as set forth.

18. An electric receiver having a circuitcloser, a locking-wheel connected therewith, a horizontal lockin g-leier foren gagement with such wheel, an armature for releasing the lever, a spring for engaging it with thewheel, an unlocking-linger adapted to be engaged with the lever to disengage it from the wheel and re-engage it with the armature, and a manual operating-lever operatin g such lin ger, substantially as set forth. l

l0. In an electric receiver, the combination, with a series of terminals, of a circuitcloser to successively engage the same, a train for actuating the circuit-closer, a detent for stopping the train, a magnet for retiring the detent to release the train, a locking-wheel coupled with the circuit-closer and not included in the train, a locking device for the said wheel, and a magnet for operating the said device, whereby backlash or lost motion in the train does not affect the integrity of the operation of the locking-wheel, substantially as described.

20. In an electric receiver, the combination, with a series of terminals, of a circuitcloser to successively engage the same, a locating-wheel rigidly coupled with the said circuit-closer, a locking device to lock the said wheel, a magnet for Operating the said device, a train organized independently of the said circuit-closer and wheel and adapted to be connected with the same for rotating them, a train-detent for normally restraining the train, a magnet `l'or operating the said detent, and an electric circuit controlling the said magnets, substantially as described.

l. In an electric receiver, the combination, with a series of terminals, of a circuitcloser to successively engage the same, a nal-indicator at said station, a train 'for actuating` the said indicator, a heart-shaped cam rigidly connected with the indicator and interposed between the saine and the train and having a yielding connection with the latter, and a lever adapted to engage with the periphery et the cam to return the same to its normal position, substantially as described.

IOO

In an electric receiver, the combina' tion, with a series ot terminals, of a circuitcloser to successively engage the same, a lomagnet, blocking-magnet, and asi guai-magnet controlled by the circuit, and means for cutting` the said magnets out of circuit as soon as they have operated, with the exception of the signal-magnet, substantially as described. In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses. `FREDERIC A. LANE.

Witnesses:

UHAs. B. SHUMWAY, J, WM. J. DE MAURrAc. 

